College Gives Students Free Fitness Center Membership

BOSTON, MA—The Department of Athletics, Recreation and Fitness announced that beginning with the summer 2005 academic sessions and extending through the 2005-2006 school year, membership in the Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) will be offered free of charge to all undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students. Emerson Athletic Director Rudy Keeling said that his department recognizes the cost factor at the center has sometimes been an impediment to student enrollment. “We don’t want to limit any student’s access to fitness based on his or her ability to pay an extra fee in addition to the other fees students are assessed to attend Emerson,” Keeling said.

Full membership to the ECFC will include access to group fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, spinning and hip hop dance, along with full use of all equipment and free weights. Students also have the opportunity to meet with a person fitness trainer to develop an individual exercise program at no charge.

The center will continue its fee-based system for towel service and overnight locker rental. Students will be granted their full membership after a simple enrollment procedure of a fitness center application. In some cases, medical clearance may be required. “Fitness is important to the education of the whole person,” ECFC Director Jenn Finn said. “This program will give all students the opportunity to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle.”

The center will continue its fee-based system for towel service and overnight locker rental. Students will be granted their full membership after a simple enrollment procedure of a fitness center application. In some cases, medical clearance may be required. “Fitness is important to the education of the whole person,” ECFC Director Jenn Finn said. “This program will give all students the opportunity to pursue a fit and healthy lifestyle.”